Years

The Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan positioned between the compact Sentra and the larger Maxima in Nissan's lineup. Introduced in 1992 as a replacement for the Stanza, it has gone through six generations, with the current generation debuting for the 2019 model year. The Altima is typically noted for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive, a feature added in 2019. Recent models also offer Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite of driver-assistance technologies.

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  2007

  The 2007 Nissan Altima introduced the fourth generation of the model, featuring a redesigned body, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and an available 3.5-liter V6 paired with a continuously variable transmission. Routine service items include CVT fluid changes, spark plug replacement around 105,000 miles, and regular oil changes, as some four-cylinder engines have been known to consume oil. The V6 uses a timing chain rather than a belt, which reduces scheduled maintenance. In the United States, Nissan extended the CVT warranty on certain 2007–2012 Altimas to 10 years or 120,000 miles following reliability concerns.

• 
  2008_Altima_HEV

  The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid was the second model year of the hybrid variant, carrying over its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission with only minor equipment and trim changes. Common service considerations include the hybrid battery pack, inverter cooling system, and regenerative braking components, which may require specialized diagnosis as the vehicle ages. The CVT transmission and 12-volt battery are also frequent maintenance items on these vehicles. Hybrid battery degradation over time can lead to reduced fuel economy and, eventually, costly pack replacement.

• 
  2008

  The 2008 Nissan Altima was largely a carryover from the redesigned 2007 model, offering a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6, both paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a six-speed manual available on the base four-cylinder. A hybrid variant was also offered in select states. Common service considerations include periodic CVT fluid changes, as the transmission is a known wear item, along with routine oil changes and brake maintenance.

• 
  2009

  The 2009 Nissan Altima was largely carried over from the previous model year, which had introduced the coupe body style, and it was offered with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. On four-cylinder models, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the most common major service concern, with reports of shudder and failure; periodic replacement of the CVT fluid with the specified type is often recommended. Other typical items include ignition coil wear, oxygen sensor replacement, power steering leaks, and exhaust manifold cracking on some examples. Given the vehicle's age, checking open recalls, including Takata airbag campaigns, is also advisable.

• 
  1999

  The 1999 Nissan Altima was the second year of the second-generation redesign, carrying over the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with only minor trim and equipment updates. Common service considerations on higher-mileage examples include timing chain and tensioner wear, oil consumption, and the condition of the automatic transmission. Routine maintenance typically involves monitoring the water pump, oxygen sensors, suspension components, and fluid condition.

• 
  2006

  The 2006 Nissan Altima was the final year of the third generation, offering a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6 rated at roughly 250 horsepower in the 3.5 SE trim. Updates for the model year included revised exterior styling and expanded availability of stability control. Both engines use timing chains rather than belts, reducing scheduled maintenance, though ignition coils and oxygen sensors are common wear items. Higher-mileage examples may develop oil consumption, and the four-cylinder's four-speed automatic benefits from regular transmission fluid service.

• 
  1996

  The 1996 Nissan Altima received minor exterior styling updates, including a revised grille, and dual front airbags were standard across the trim range. It continued to use the 2.4-liter KA24DE four-cylinder engine with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Common service considerations include timely timing belt replacement, since the engine is an interference design, and monitoring for oil consumption on higher-mileage examples. The automatic transmission and worn suspension components are also worth inspecting on older, high-mileage cars.

• 
  2007_Altima_HEV

  The 2007 Altima Hybrid was the first hybrid variant of the Altima, pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. It was sold in limited markets and used a hybrid system licensed from Toyota. Common service items include the hybrid battery pack and its cooling system, the inverter coolant pump, and CVT transmission maintenance. The hybrid battery carried an extended warranty in many states.

• 
  2001

  The 2001 Altima was the final year of the second-generation model, carrying over the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with only minor equipment changes across the GXE, GLE, and SE trims. Common service items include timely timing belt replacement, since the interference engine can suffer valve and piston damage if the belt fails. Higher-mileage examples may develop valve cover gasket leaks and some oil consumption, and the automatic transmission should be checked for smooth shifting. Inspecting the underbody and rear wheel areas for rust is worthwhile in regions that use road salt.

• 
  2009_Altima_Hybrid

  The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack, with only minor trim and equipment updates for the model year. It was sold in limited markets, primarily certain U.S. states. Common service considerations include monitoring hybrid battery health, CVT transmission fluid condition, and the inverter coolant pump, which can fail with age. The regenerative braking system reduces brake pad wear, though calipers and rotors should still be inspected for corrosion.

• 
  1997

  The 1997 Nissan Altima was the final year of the first generation and carried over largely unchanged from 1996, with the 2.4-liter KA24DE four-cylinder engine remaining the only powertrain offered. Common service considerations include timing belt replacement, since the interference engine can suffer valve damage if the belt fails. Higher-mileage examples often need attention to oil consumption, valve cover gasket leaks, and worn suspension and brake components.

• 
  1994

  The 1994 Nissan Altima was largely a carryover from the all-new 1993 model, continuing with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and XE, GXE, SE, and GLE trim levels. Common service considerations include timing belt replacement at the recommended interval, monitoring for oil consumption on higher-mileage engines, and inspecting the automatic transmission for wear. Rust on the body and undercarriage is also worth checking, particularly on cars from northern climates.

• 
  1998

  The 1998 Nissan Altima received a complete redesign with a more rounded body and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing about 150 horsepower, offered in GXE, GLE, and SE trims. The KA24DE engine is an interference design, so timing belt replacement at the recommended interval is important to avoid serious engine damage. Higher-mileage examples may develop oil consumption, and automatic transmission issues have been reported in some vehicles. Rust inspection is worthwhile in regions that use road salt.

• 
  1995

  The 1995 Nissan Altima was largely a carryover year, continuing with the 2.4-liter KA24DE four-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower and offered in XE, GXE, SE, and GLE trim levels. Changes were minor, consisting mainly of small equipment and trim adjustments rather than mechanical revisions. Common service considerations include timing belt replacement at the recommended interval, since the KA24DE uses a belt rather than a chain, along with monitoring for oil consumption and rust on older examples. Automatic transmission condition and cooling system maintenance are also worth checking on higher-mileage vehicles.

• 
  2002

  The 2002 Altima marked the start of a redesigned second generation, offered with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 240-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, both paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The redesign brought a larger, more refined body and more powerful engine options than the prior generation. Common service considerations include monitoring for oil consumption, particularly on higher-mileage V6 engines, as well as ignition coil, camshaft sensor, and exhaust manifold issues. Owners also frequently encounter worn power window regulators and aging front suspension components as these cars accumulate mileage.